iPhone OS 4.0

Apple had their release preview of what the next iPhone operating system (OS) will include. There are over 100 new user features, but here's the rundown of the top seven:

1. Multitasking - Just what you think it is. You will be able to run multiple third party apps at the same time, with an easy way to switch between the open apps. To quote Steve Jobs, "Now we weren't the first to this party, but we're gonna be the best. Just like cut and paste." If multitasking works as well as cut and paste, he will probably be right. Also, this is big for the iPad in many ways. Will you be able to turn your iPad into a phone via Skype? Let's hope so. The potential to have unlimited data and VOIP calling over 3G for $30/month just got that much closer to reality.
2. Folders - Again, just what you think. Will be able to organize your apps into folders. Can even put folders in the bottom dock. This will be nice, no more swiping through six home screens to find what  you are looking for. Used to be limited to 180 apps on your phone, now you can have up to 2,160. (Who would ever have that many apps? I have no idea.)
3. Enhanced Mail - Unified inbox, multiple Exchange accounts, fast inbox switching, organize by thread (This is a big one for me. So annoying not having it.), open attachments with apps.
4. iBooks - Meh, whatever. More money for them. I get it. Most likely useless for many people. Will have some nice sync functions between multiple devices, and you get Winnie the Pooh for free!
5. Enterprise - Support for multiple Exchange accounts, Exchange Server 2010, new VPN options, better data protection, mobile device management, wireless app distribution.
6. Game Center - Hello social gaming network. Play against your friends or other people. Keep track of stats and whatnot.
7. iAd - Mobile advertising. First impression: blah. But developers need to make money, so now they have an easier/better way to put ads in apps. Also, up till this point, Apple wasn't getting a slice of the advertising pie, as all ads were being provided by third parties. Ads will keep you in your app when you click on them instead of booting you out to Safari. Can be interactive. Apple sells and hosts the ads. Revenue will be split 60/40 developer to Apple. Everything is done in HTML5. (Ha! Nice jab at Flash, Steve.) Ads can be so interactive that they are almost an app inside an app. Games, video clips, maps, music, and more. It actually is pretty impressive how interactive the ad can be, all while keeping you in the original app. Nothing like the old iPhone ads. All-in-all, this probably won't dramatically increase ads in free apps (probably some though); it's just now Apple is officially in the advertising business. Can't believe I talked about ads this much, but ads get the developers money for their free apps. (Not to mention money for Apple, too.) Apps is what the iPhone is all about. So, Apple wants as many apps as possible. Comprende?

iPhone OS will be available this summer for the iPhone 3GS and iPod touch 3rd gen (most recent). Here's the big bummer though, older versions of the iPhone and iPod touch won't support all features. Namely, multitasking. OUCH. You know what though? I have an iPhone 3G, and it already feels slow. I mean, it is almost two years old. I can't imagine it being able to handle multitasking on top of its current slowness. So, even though it sucks to have to buy a new phone to get multitasking, it's probably for the best. Not saying I will be buying the next iPhone for the sake of multitasking, just saying in general.

The iPad will be getting 4.0 this fall. Why the long wait? Not sure.

Some other notes: About the only thing missing that I was expecting/hoping for was some sort of Exposé/widget function. Especially on the iPad. When Steve was asked about it he said, "Anything is possible." Also, when asked if there were plans to support Flash or java being supported, he answered plainly, "No." 

As far as closing applications when you are done using them, According to Apple, "You don't have to." "In multitasking, if you see a task manager... they blew it."

I for one will enjoy the update. The folders and enhanced mail are worth it alone. What do you think? Excited about this? Leaves you wanting more?


For images and the full details of the iPhone OS 4.0 event, you can go here to Engadget.com.